Nz Marketing Expert Looks

Over Banana Production

MR. F. S. HUNTER, of the Department of Marketing, New Zealand, visited Fiji, Tonga and Samoa in March and April, in order to familiarise himself with the organisation of the banana in dustry in the three territories.

While the “Matua,” on which he was travelling, was in Suva, the Fiji Director of Agriculture was able to show him some thing of the organisation of the industry in Fiji.

Mr. Hunter was insistent on the need for improvement in the quality of banana

cases used, and suggested that Fiji should try the Niue type case, which is smaller and more substantial than that at present in use by Fiji shippers.

It was pointed out to him that difficulty would be experienced in securing solid ends, but he was told that shippers were prepared to try experimentally a case of similar size to the citrus case but built on what is known locally as the McCown pattern.

With regard to the bunch trade, Mr.

Hunter said that the NZ Marketing De partment preferred bananas In cases but would be interested to see how fruit car ried in half and quarter hands. An early experiment along these lines was promised.

Mr. Hunter said that although the quality of Fiji fruit had improved con siderably, more attention must be paid to gum and scab (which affect the ap pearance of the fruit) and the disease which causes premature ripening.

The possibility of a new refrigerated vessel being placed on the Pacific Islands run in 1951 was discussed —Fiji cannot plan expansion unless she is assured of a market for her total production. Mr.

Hunter explained that it was difficult to fix a firm quota until the potentialities of all the territories were examined and the probable consumption of the New Zea land public determined. A probable total figure of 500,000 eases was mentioned as the upper limit for New Zealand, and on the basis of 40 per cent, for Fiji, the Colony could possibly look forward to a shipment of about 200,000 cases annually.

No definite assurance could, however, be given.

While the “Matua” was in port Mr.

Hunter was taken by Departmental offi cers to see Fijian banana plantings in the Vunidawa area and later he met the Directors and some of the producers of the Fiji Co-operative Market Association.